Combustible artificial firelog assembly

ABSTRACT

A combustible artificial firelog assembly having a combustible base member and at least first, second, and third artificial firelogs is provided. The first and second artificial firelogs are coupled to the combustible base member and at least partially define a central cavity. The first and second artificial firelogs define at least one side opening therebetween that communicates with the central cavity. The third artificial firelog is supported by the first and second artificial firelogs and is disposed over the first and second artificial firelogs. The assembly further includes a metal retaining member disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the first and second artificial firelogs. The assembly further includes a combustible member that is disposed in the side opening that ignites the first, second, and third artificial firelogs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/711,304 filed on Oct. 9, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

An artificial log has been produced which includes a flammable wrapper. The artificial log includes additional accelerants which can release toxic fumes which may not be safe for breathing or cooking. Further, the artificial log burns at a lower temperature than natural wood which makes it difficult to utilize the resulting fire for cooking.

In particular, the inventors herein have recognized a need for an improved artificial firelog assembly that minimizes and/or eliminates the above-mentioned deficiencies.

SUMMARY

A combustible artificial firelog assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The combustible artificial firelog assembly includes a combustible base member and at least first, second, and third artificial firelogs. The first and second artificial firelogs are disposed on and coupled to the combustible base member. The first and second artificial firelogs and the combustible base member at least partially define a central cavity. The first and second artificial firelogs define at least one side opening therebetween that communicates with the central cavity. The third artificial firelog is supported by the first and second artificial firelogs and is disposed over the first and second artificial firelogs. The combustible artificial firelog assembly further includes a metal retaining member disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the first and second artificial firelogs. The metal retaining member is configured to maintain a position of the first and second artificial firelogs during combustion of the first and second artificial firelogs. The combustible artificial firelog assembly further includes a combustible member that is disposed in the side opening. The combustible member is configured to be ignited and to generate sufficient heat to ignite the first, second, and third artificial firelogs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a combustible artificial firelog assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is another view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a third side view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fourth side view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled state; and

FIG. 9 is another view of the combustible artificial firelog assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 9, a combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. An advantage of the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 is that the assembly 10 has a structure that does not have any artificial or petroleum based accelerants which can release toxic fumes, such that the assembly 10 can be utilized for cooking food. Further, the assembly 10 can be easily transported and can burn efficiently for several hours. The combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 includes a combustible base member 20, artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, board members 70, 72, a metal retaining member 80, combustible members 90, 92, free-standing woodchips 100, and a cloth carrying handle 110.

Referring to FIG. 3, the combustible base member 20 is configured to support the remaining components of the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 thereon. The combustible base member 20 includes a top surface 152 and a bottom surface 154. In one exemplary embodiment, the combustible base member 20 comprises a solid-wood board. Further, the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 has a substantially rectangular shape. In an alternative embodiment, the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 could be constructed of other combustible materials such as compressed woodchips.

The artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 are formed of compressed wood scraps. In particular, the artificial firelogs 30-40 can be formed of compressed and heated wood scraps, such as woodchips, saw dust, or wood shavings for example. The compressed wood scraps are compressed together and are simultaneously heated to cause binding of the natural materials found in the wood scraps to form the artificial firelogs 30-40. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial firelogs 30-40 do not contain any inorganic combustible materials or compounds. The artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 are disposed on and coupled to the combustible base member 20. In particular, the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 are disposed on the top surface 152 of the combustible base member 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 are coupled to the member 20 utilizing staples 210, 212, 214 (shown in FIG. 7). Of course, in an alternative embodiment, artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 could be coupled to the base member 20 utilizing other coupling members (e.g., screws or tacks) or coupling materials (e.g., a glue or an adhesive).

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial firelogs 30-40 are substantially block-shaped. As shown, the artificial firelog 30 has a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 162, and the artificial firelog 32 has a top surface 170 and a bottom surface 172. The artificial firelog 34 has a top surface 180 and a bottom surface 182, and the artificial firelog 36 has a top surface 190 and a bottom surface 192. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the artificial firelogs 30-40 could have alternative shapes.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 and the combustible base member 20 define a central cavity 120. Further, the artificial firelogs 30, 32 are spaced apart from one another and define a side opening 130 therebetween that communicates with the central cavity 120. Further, the artificial firelogs 32, 34 are spaced apart from one another and define a side opening 132 therebetween that communicates with the central cavity 120. Further, the artificial firelogs 34, 36 are spaced apart from one another and define a side opening 134 therebetween that communicates with the central cavity 120. Further, the artificial firelogs 30, 36 are spaced apart from one another and define a side opening 136 therebetween that communicates with the central cavity 120.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the metal retaining member 80 is disposed around substantially an outer peripheral region of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. The metal retaining member 80 is configured to maintain a position of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 during combustion of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. In particular, the metal retaining member 80 prevents the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 from falling outwardly during combustion of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal retaining member 80 is a metal wire disposed 360 degrees around an outer periphery of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. In an alternative embodiment, the metal retaining member 80 could be a metal band disposed 360 degrees around an outer periphery of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. Still further, in another exemplary embodiment, the metal retaining member 80 is disposed around a portion of an outer peripheral region of the artificial firelogs 30-36.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6 and 9, the board members 70, 72 are disposed on and coupled to the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. The board members 70, 72 at least partially cover a top portion of the central cavity 120 and are spaced apart from one another. The board member 70 is disposed on and coupled to the top surfaces 160, 170, 180 of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, respectively, utilizing at least first, second, and third staples (not shown), respectively, extending through the board member 70 into the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, respectively. The board member 70 is disposed on and coupled to the top surfaces 180, 190, 160 of the artificial firelogs 34, 36, 30, respectively, utilizing at least first, second, and third staples (not shown), respectively, extending through the board member 72 into the artificial firelogs 34, 36, 30, respectively. As shown, the board member 72 has a top surface 240 and a bottom surface 242.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the artificial firelog 38 is disposed on the top surface 240 of the board member 70 and a top surface 250 of the board member 72. The artificial firelog 38 has a top surface 194 and a bottom surface 196. The artificial firelog 38 is coupled to the board member 70 utilizing a staple (not shown) that extends through the bottom surface 242 and through the board member 70 and the top surface 240 and into the artificial firelog 38. Further, the artificial firelog 38 is coupled to the board member 72 utilizing a staple (not shown) that extends through the bottom surface 252 and through the board member 72 and the top surface 250 and into the artificial firelog 38.

The artificial firelog 40 is disposed on the top surface 240 of the board member 70 and a top surface 250 of the board member 72. The artificial firelog 40 has a top surface 198 and a bottom surface 200. The artificial firelog 40 is coupled to the board member 70 utilizing a staple (not shown) that extends through the bottom surface 242 and through the board member 70 and the top surface 240 and into the artificial firelog 40. Further, the artificial firelog 40 is coupled to the board member 72 utilizing a staple (not shown) that extends through the bottom surface 252 and through the board member 72 and the top surface 250 and into the artificial firelog 40.

Referring to FIG. 9, the cloth carrying handle 110 is disposed on and coupled to the top surface 194 of the artificial firelog 38. Also, the cloth carrying handle 110 is disposed on and coupled to the top surface 198 of the artificial firelog 40. In one exemplary embodiment, the cloth carrying handle 100 is constructed of cotton.

The combustible members 90, 92 are configured to be ignited and to release sufficient thermal energy to ignite the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36. The combustible members 90, 92 are disposed in the side openings 130, 134 and extend into the central cavity 120 such that an end of the combustible members 90, 92 can be ignited with a match or other ignition device. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the combustible members 90, 92 comprises fire starting sticks such as Strike-A-Fire offered for sale by Coleman at http://www.coleman.com/SearResults?SearchText=fire.

The free-standing woodchips 100 are disposed in the central cavity 120. The free-standing woodchips 100 are configured to be ignited by the combustible members 90, 92 for relatively quickly igniting the artificial logs 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40. In one exemplary embodiment, the free-standing woodchips 100 are formed from hardwood trees.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 9, a method for constructing the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment will now be explained.

First, an operator couples the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 on the top surface 152 of the combustible base member 20 utilizing attachment members such as staples for example.

Second, an operator disposes the metal retaining member 80 around an outer peripheral region of the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36.

Third, the operator disposes the combustible members 90, 92 in the side openings 130, 134, respectively.

Fourth, the operator disposes the free-standing woodchips 100 in the central cavity 120.

Fifth, the operator couples the cloth carrying handle 110 to the artificial logs 38, 40 utilizing attachment members such as staples for example.

Sixth, the operator couples the artificial logs 38, 40 to the top surfaces 240, 250 of the board members 70, 72 utilizing attachments members such as staples for example.

Seventh, the operator couples the board members 70, 72 to the artificial logs 30, 32, 34, 36 utilizing attachments members such as staples for example.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, a method for igniting the combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment will be described.

First, an operator ignites the combustible members 90, 92 utilizing an ignition device such as a match or a lighter.

Second, the combustible members 90, 92 ignite the free-standing woodchips 100 and the artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 such that air is drawn into the side openings 130, 132, 134, 136 and heated air is expelled from the top opening 150.

Third, the ignited free-standing woodchips 100 and the ignited artificial firelogs 30, 32, 34, 36 ignite the board members 70, 72 and the artificial firelogs 38, 40.

The combustible artificial firelog assembly 10 provides substantial advantages over other artificial logs. In particular, the assembly 10 has a technical effect of utilizing a structure that does not have any artificial or petroleum based accelerants such that the assembly 10 can be utilized for cooking food.

While the claimed invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claimed invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the claimed invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combustible artificial firelog assembly, comprising: a combustible base member; at least first, second, and third artificial firelogs, the first and second artificial firelogs being disposed on and coupled to the combustible base member, the first and second artificial firelogs and the combustible base member at least partially defining a central cavity, the first and second artificial firelogs defining at least one side opening therebetween that communicates with the central cavity; the third artificial firelog being supported by the first and second artificial firelogs and being disposed over the first and second artificial firelogs; a metal retaining member disposed around an outer peripheral region of the first and second artificial firelogs, the metal retaining member configured to maintain a position of the first and second artificial firelogs during combustion of the first and second artificial firelogs; and a combustible member being disposed in the side opening, the combustible member configured to be ignited and to generate sufficient heat to ignite the first, second, and third artificial firelogs.
 2. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first board member being disposed on and coupled to a top surface of the first artificial firelog and a top surface of the second artificial firelog, the first board member at least partially covering a top portion of the central cavity, the third artificial firelog being disposed on a top surface of the first board member.
 3. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, further comprising fourth and fifth artificial firelogs being disposed on and coupled to the combustible base member, the first, second, fourth, and fifth artificial firelogs and the combustible base member defining the central cavity, the fourth and fifth artificial firelogs defining at least one side opening therebetween that communicates with the central cavity.
 4. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 3, further comprising first and second board members, the first board member being disposed on and coupled to top surfaces of the first and second artificial firelogs, the second board member being disposed on and coupled to top surfaces of the fourth and fifth artificial firelogs, the third artificial firelog being disposed on a top surface of the first board member and a top surface of the second board member, the first and second board members at least partially covering a top portion of the central cavity.
 5. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 4, further comprising a sixth artificial firelog disposed on the top surface of the first board member and the top surface of the second board member.
 6. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second board members and the third and sixth artificial firelogs define the top opening that communicates with the central cavity.
 7. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cloth carrying handle disposed on and coupled to the third artificial firelog.
 8. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of free-standing woodchips disposed in the central cavity.
 9. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, wherein the combustible base member is a solid-wood base member.
 10. The combustible artificial firelog assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second artificial firelogs are only constructed of compressed woodchips. 